Franklin Women’s Center to offer bone tests, mammograms

The Vanderbilt Franklin Women’s Center at Williamson Medical Center is now offering screening mammograms and bone density tests for patients in the community.

Vanderbilt acquired the center last August — part of an effort to provide women’s health care in locations other than the main VUMC campus. The Vanderbilt Franklin Women’s Center at Williamson Medical Center includes a group of six obstetrician/gynecologists and two women’s health nurse practitioners and is located at 4155 Carothers Parkway in Franklin.

The center accepts referrals from Vanderbilt and other outside physicians. Patients may request appointments by calling 322-2064.

Screening mammograms using the latest digital technology are available to check for breast cancer. Patients are encouraged to bring original films from any past screening exams, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, radiology reports and any other original test results from previous screenings.

Bone density tests using DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scanning help determine the strength of bones. Aging, menopause and some medical conditions can cause a loss of bone strength that increases the risk of fractures. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a bone density test at least once for all women 65 and older.

The same Vanderbilt radiologists perform the interpretation of mammograms and bone density scans at Vanderbilt Franklin Women’s Center, the Vanderbilt Breast Center at One Hundred Oaks, The Vanderbilt Clinic and Cool Springs Imaging.

“Our goal is to provide comprehensive breast and bone density services in a warm and comfortable setting,” said John Huff, M.D., chief of the Section of Breast Imaging and imaging director for the Vanderbilt Breast Center. “We know that patients prefer to receive health care services close to home and that is why we have added these services at the Vanderbilt Franklin Women’s Center at Williamson Medical Center.”

The center accepts many forms of insurance and co-pays will apply for the mammograms and bone density tests. Many insurance plans require a full 365 days between screening mammograms and patients are responsible for following their plan’s requirements.